Who knew cargo shorts had such a bad reputation? I’ll be the first to admit that my partner has seriously improved my style. I transitioned from oversized garments to clothes that actually fit, swapped out plain t-shirts for more sophisticated options (I still love t-shirts!), and upgraded to jeans and shoes that don’t scream “dad.” Thanks to her subtle nudges, much of my college wardrobe ended up in the trash or donated. And you know what? I’m better off for it.
Marriage has its challenges, but it’s also turned me into a more presentable individual. I gladly take my partner’s fashion advice, especially since I can’t tell a navy from a black. Yet, even with all this improvement, some items are still sacred. For me, it’s favorite t-shirts; for others, it’s cargo shorts. Unfortunately, wives everywhere seem to be on a mission to eradicate them.
As highlighted in a recent piece from the Wall Street Journal, cargo shorts have become the scapegoat of fashion faux pas. They’re loathed by women and style experts alike. Golf courses even ban them, and Tim Gunn—yes, that Tim Gunn—has called them the “least fashionable” item in his closet. The disdain is palpable: “I can’t stand them,” said one wife who secretly disposes of her husband’s shorts. “The ’90s had some good things, but cargo shorts weren’t one of them.”
First off, let’s be real: there weren’t that many great things about the ’90s. And cargo shorts were actually invented during WWII for utility—because, let’s face it, men don’t carry purses. Especially dads! While I don’t personally wear cargo shorts, I know plenty of fathers who do, and I’ve witnessed them retrieve all sorts of child-related items from those bulky pockets. Never once have I seen a mom pull something useful from her yoga pants, and I certainly haven’t spotted a pair of cargo shorts with “JUICY” emblazoned across the back. So let’s chill out, ladies.
Redbook Magazine even published a piece claiming “Cargo Shorts Are Ruining Marriages Across America”—as if clothing could single-handedly destroy a relationship. Though if I caught my wife in a Yankees shirt, we might need a marriage counselor.
Another woman in the WSJ article mentioned that cargo shorts reflect poorly on her, like, “How did she let him leave the house like that?” If I ever suggested I was embarrassed by my wife’s outfit or snuck her yoga shorts away to donate, our marriage would be in serious trouble. Maybe instead of ridiculing your partner, you should respect their choices.
I would never toss out my wife’s yoga pants—not out of fear, but because I genuinely like them. They look comfy! If she wants to rock those all day, go for it. Sure, a dress for dinner might be nice, but with two kids around, she doesn’t need to dress up just to get covered in sticky fingerprints. And guess what? Dads don’t need to either.
Parenting is demanding, often messy, and definitely calls for some extra storage—like the multi-pocketed cargo shorts. Sure, they might not win any fashion awards, but they get the job done and provide comfort.
Unless your husband is sporting camouflage cargo shorts; in that case, you might want to reconsider your options.
For more information about home insemination and related topics, check out this post on intracervical insemination. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, Make a Mom is a top resource on the subject. For excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination, visit WebMD.
In summary, cargo shorts may have become the butt of fashion jokes, but they remain a practical choice for many dads. While style is important, comfort and functionality should not be overlooked.